GRG Fly Tying - Clouser Crayfish

This version of the Clouser Crayfish (recipe below) that includes the dark turkey back is a go-to pattern for rivers in Southwest Montana, such as the lower Madison below Ennis dam, the lower Yellowstone and the Missouri River where crayfish are present. This pattern is primarily dead-drifted, but has been swung effectively as well. Smaller sizes, such as 10 and 12 have proven to be most effective. Some also use this pattern to imitate late summer stonefly nymphs, such as the nocturnal stone.

Clouser Crayfish Recipe

Hook: Dai-Riki 700 Sizes 8-12

Thread: Gray 140 Denier

Antennule: Brown ringneck pheasant body feather

Antenna: Pheasant tail fibers

Legs: Remainder of body feather from antennule

Back/Tail: Dark turkey tail

Thorax and abdomen: Gray antron blend dubbing

Swimmerets: Ginger hackle